Poland’s domestic tourism boomed in 2018

2018 was a good year for Poland’s hospitality sector. According to the latest data, majority of Poles chose to vacation in the country this year. In 2018, more than half of the tourists who decided to travel to Polish towns. The others most often chose neighboring Hungary, Slovakia and Croatia.

Holidays were particularly successful. The hot summer meant that the Poles were ready to pay high rates for holiday at the Baltic Sea. Compared to the previous year, the cost of the July accommodation in selected coastal towns increased by as much as 75%. Although prices fell in August, they were still higher than last year.

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In the summer, the Tri-City was the most popular, however, throughout most of the year, it was mountain resorts and big cities that tempted tourists the most. In 2018, Poles most often visited Zakopane – as much as 23% of all reservations, Kraków – 12%, and Wrocław, Karpacz or Warsaw (4-5%). In the case of the capital city, the number of bookings increased by as much as 191% in comparison with 2017. However, the nature of such a trip has not changed: it is usually a double weekend break.

Hoteliers were also encouraged by early fall. Tourists have benefited not only from great weather, but also from much lower prices than in the full season. However, the average booking value for autumn 2018 was 1048 PLN. The list of top reservations was dominated by: Zakopane, Kraków, Karpacz, Wisła and Białka Tatrzańska. A lot of traffic was also recorded in the Bieszczady, that grew in popularity lately.

And finally, the New Year’s Eve movement – high season prices this year have grown significantly, compared to those off season. The price hike averaged 75%-100%, in some cases even more. The average cost of a week’s New Year’s Eve stay for two people in Zakopane is 2282 PLN, and in Karpacz 1690 PLN.